WHAT: Was charged today by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office with one felony count of murder with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon. On Aug. 9, 2013, Morlett is accused of using a type of axe to kill his 66-year-old stepmom, Jeanne Ellen Morlett. The defendant is expected to be arraigned on the charges tomorrow.

If convicted, Morlett faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life in state prison. Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy of the Homicide Unit will prosecute this case.